Working with Families Outside of the Box

A series of one day workshops for clinicians who work with a variety of family systems.

Adoption – Working with Adoptive Families

Tuesday, 10th May, 2016

8:30am – 3:30pm

This workshop approaches the task of helping adoptive families from a systemic / family focused perspective. We will consider the themes of belonging; loyalty; yearning & wholeness from the adoptee and adoptive family’s position and touch on the issue of losing a child through adoption. Using case study, DVD material, and participants’ own experience we will explore the similarities and differences in the adoptive family’s journey with that of non adoptive families & consider the adoption experience as a life long process, where the adoption dynamics are likely to be revisited at each life cycle stage and the need to integrate the adoptee & the adoptive family’s stories through story development and repetition. Experiential approaches will be used to develop participants’ ideas and skills, offering practice in ‘using emotional postures’; application of genogram and timeline techniques; individual and family based work. There will be opportunity to discuss and consider the impact of recent developments such as social media and GSA (genetic sexual attraction).

Trauma – Approaches to Working with Children & their Families

Wednesday, 11th May, 2016

08:30am – 3:30pm

This workshop presents a range of approaches for clinicians to use in trauma-focused work for children and includes the following components: psycho-education; parenting skills; relaxation; affect expression and modulation; trauma narrative; cognitive coping & processing; mastery of trauma reminders and enhancing safety and parent-child sessions. A workbook is provided to support the teaching and contains materials for ongoing use. In addition, DVD material and case examples will be presented, for discussion. Participants are invited to bring own cases & there will be opportunity to plan use of the materials presented as appropriate.

Gender Identity – Working with Children, Young People & their Families

Thursday, 12th May, 2016

8:30am – 3:30pm

An increasing number of young people are experiencing changes to their ascribed gender identity & they are coming to the attention of children’s mental health services with a range of complex needs associated with their family and peer relationships; understanding their own feelings of isolation, low mood, confusion and despair; management and development of their changing identity in public and private contexts; consideration of engagement in physical & medical interventions (via specialist services). This workshop will be structured around an anonymized case study which will be reflected on & reviewed through the day. Participants will have chance to engage in pair and group discussion around issues raised & exercises will be facilitated that focus on therapist positioning, and practical approaches to supporting young people with gender identity issues.

Divorce and Separation – Working with Families who have experienced Divorce & Separation

Friday, 13th May, 2016

8:30am – 3:30pm

Divorce & separation of parents or carers is a common experience in the lives of many children and this workshop will focus on understanding & working with the changing narrative of the family as it moves into new household formations & challenges the continuity of old relationships. The core challenge for parents of maintaining a parental relationship alongside ending a couple relationship will be considered with a focus on the perspective and needs of the children. Attention will be given to issues of safety and the impact of domestic abuse in working with the family. Case examples, video material, use of genograms, experiential exercises are used during the sessions and participants will have opportunity to use and reflect on their own cases and experience.

• Price: HKD 2,000 per event
• Registration Link: https://goo.gl/forms/4ny1dCUAwO